Should I Include My Pronouns on My Resume?

Deciding whether to include pronouns on your resume is a personal choice that depends on your comfort level, industry, and the type of workplace you want to join. 

Some candidates include them to support clear communication, while others prefer to share this information later in the hiring process.

Should I include my pronouns on my resume?

Including pronouns on your resume is optional and depends on your comfort level and job search priorities. 

Some candidates include them to ensure they are addressed correctly and to signal inclusivity, while others leave them off to avoid potential bias or keep the focus on their qualifications. 

There is no expectation from employers to include pronouns, and they are not required for hiring decisions. 

For example, you might include pronouns when applying to inclusive or modern workplaces, and leave them off when applying to more traditional or unknown environments.

Choose the approach that matches how and when you want to share personal information during your job search.

What does “pronouns on a resume” actually mean?

Including pronouns on a resume means adding your preferred gender pronouns, such as “she/her,” “he/him,” or “they/them,” to your contact details. 

This helps hiring teams address you respectfully during communication. 

It is separate from resume writing style, where pronouns are typically avoided in bullet points and descriptions.

Where to put pronouns on a resume?

The best place to include pronouns on a resume is in the header, alongside your contact details, where hiring managers will see them immediately. 

This keeps them visible without distracting from your experience or skills. 

Avoid placing pronouns directly after your name on the same line, as this can confuse applicant tracking systems (ATS).

The most common placement is just below your name or on the same line as your contact information, such as your phone number or email. 

This ensures they are easy to find while still fitting naturally into your resume layout.

Adding pronouns in a separate section further down the resume is not recommended, as they may be overlooked. 

Keeping them in the header helps ensure they are seen early in the hiring process.

How to put pronouns on a resume

To add pronouns to your resume, include a short, standardized format such as “she/her,” “he/him,” or “they/them” in your header alongside your contact details. 

Keep the formatting simple, consistent, and easy to read so it fits naturally with the rest of your resume.

Follow these guidelines to format pronouns correctly:

• Use lowercase with a forward slash: she/her, he/him, they/them
• Place them once only, usually in the resume header
• Keep the font size consistent with your contact details
• Avoid adding extra explanation or labels
• Use combinations if relevant: she/they, he/they

Use the same style as the rest of your contact details so your resume remains visually consistent.

Avoid overcomplicating the format or drawing too much attention to it. 

Pronouns should improve communication, not distract from your experience and qualifications.

Examples of pronouns on a resume

Here are a few simple ways to include pronouns on your resume while keeping the format clean and professional. 

In most cases, they appear in the header alongside your contact details.

Example 1: Pronouns in the contact line

Example 2: Pronouns below the name

These formats keep pronouns visible without interrupting the structure of your resume. 

Choose the version that fits your layout and feels most natural alongside your other contact details.

What are the pros and cons of including pronouns on a resume?

Including pronouns on your resume can help with clear communication and signal inclusivity, but it may also introduce personal considerations around privacy or bias. 

Understanding both sides can help you decide what fits your situation and the type of workplace you are targeting.

Pros of including pronouns

• Helps avoid misgendering: Hiring teams know how to address you from the start, especially if your name is gender-neutral.
• Supports inclusive communication: Sharing pronouns can signal awareness and allyship, which may resonate with inclusive employers.
• Gives insight into company culture: How recruiters respond can indicate whether a workplace respects identity and diversity.

Cons of including pronouns

• Potential for unconscious bias: In some industries or companies, sharing pronouns may influence how your application is perceived.
• Not always seen as relevant: Some hiring managers prefer resumes to focus only on skills and experience.
• Personal comfort and privacy: You may prefer to share this information later in the hiring process, or not at all.

In most cases, recruiters do not expect pronouns on a resume and will not treat them as a deciding factor.

Where else can you share pronouns during your job search?

If you choose not to include pronouns on your resume, you can share them at other points in the hiring process, such as in your email signature, LinkedIn profile, or cover letter. 

These options allow you to introduce your pronouns in a more controlled or gradual way.

Common places to include pronouns:

• Email signature: Add your pronouns under your name so they appear in every message you send to recruiters or hiring managers.
• LinkedIn profile: Use the dedicated pronoun field so your preference is visible when employers view your profile.
• Cover letter: Include pronouns near your name at the top if you want them to be seen alongside your application materials.

These touchpoints often give hiring teams multiple chances to notice and use your pronouns correctly, without relying on your resume alone.

Key takeaways

• Including pronouns on your resume is optional and based on personal preference
• The header is the most effective place to add them if you choose to include them
• Simple formatting keeps your resume clear and professional
• There are pros and cons, including inclusivity benefits and potential bias
• You can also share pronouns through LinkedIn, email, or your cover letter

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FAQs

Here are quick answers to common questions about pronouns in resumes and job applications.

What should I write for my pronouns?

You should list your preferred pronouns in a simple format, such as “she/her,” “he/him,” or “they/them.” 

If you use more than one set, you can include combinations like “she/they” or “he/they.” 

Keep the format clear and consistent so it’s easy for hiring teams to understand and use.

What does “display pronouns to hiring team” mean?

Displaying pronouns to a hiring team means sharing how you prefer to be addressed during the application and interview process. 

This can be done on your resume, LinkedIn profile, email signature, or cover letter. 

The goal is to support respectful communication and avoid misgendering from the start.

It is not about writing in first person or in third person.